Feeling the Christmas chaos creeping in already? This episode hands you permission to rewrite the rules. Justin and Kylie share the three simple diagnostic questions that transform Christmas from exhausting and obligatory… to meaningful, memorable, and truly magical. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “do it all,” this is your reset button for a calmer, lighter, joy-filled holiday season.

KEY POINTS
The three clarity questions that instantly simplify Christmas
Why “What lights you up?” matters more than any tradition
Identifying what drains you so you can let it go guilt-free
The power of deciding “How do I want to feel on Christmas Day?”
Helping kids create memories that actually matter
How blended families, travel, and extended-family expectations fit into intentional planning
Permission to do Christmas your way—without apology

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“If it doesn’t light you up, you don’t have to do it. Christmas works best when it works for your family.”

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Ask the three questions: What lights you up? What drains you? How do you want to feel on Christmas Day?
Hold a mini family meeting to hear everyone’s must-haves (and their “don’t worry about it” items).
Simplify: Cross out anything that doesn’t bring joy, connection or ease.
Protect your vision: Communicate clearly with extended family.
Choose one memory-maker to anchor your Christmas this year.

Feeling the Christmas chaos creeping in already? This episode hands you permission to rewrite the rules. Justin and Kylie share the three simple diagnostic questions that transform Christmas from exhausting and obligatory&hellip; to meaningful, memorable, and truly magical. If you&rsquo;ve ever felt pressure to &ldquo;do it all,&rdquo; this is your reset button for a calmer, lighter, joy-filled holiday season.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li>The three clarity questions that instantly simplify Christmas</li>
<li>Why &ldquo;What lights you up?&rdquo; matters more than any tradition</li>
<li>Identifying what drains you so you can let it go guilt-free</li>
<li>The power of deciding &ldquo;How do I want to feel on Christmas Day?&rdquo;</li>
<li>Helping kids create memories that actually matter</li>
<li>How blended families, travel, and extended-family expectations fit into intentional planning</li>
<li>Permission to do Christmas your way&mdash;without apology</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;If it doesn&rsquo;t light you up, you don&rsquo;t have to do it. Christmas works best when it works for your family.&rdquo;
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Ask the three questions: What lights you up? What drains you? How do you want to feel on Christmas Day?</li>
<li aria-level="1">Hold a mini family meeting to hear everyone&rsquo;s must-haves (and their &ldquo;don&rsquo;t worry about it&rdquo; items).</li>
<li aria-level="1">Simplify: Cross out anything that doesn&rsquo;t bring joy, connection or ease.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Protect your vision: Communicate clearly with extended family.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Choose one memory-maker to anchor your Christmas this year.</li>
</ol>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

The Secret to an Intentional, Joy-Filled Christmas

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/e48deb67-f3c9-412e-bc6e-b39f00aa9bb8/transcript